Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-11-21

Should it be deemed expedient,
a local Underground station could be constructed
at the west end OF Lincoln Square, where the tun-
mel passes under 18th street.
THE UNION STATION.
1t remains to consider the questions as to the
proposed union passenger station and the route
and other conditions by which the conjoned roads
shall traverse South Washington and reach Long
Bridge. The Commissioners entertain no doubts
as TO the advantages OF a suitably situated and
constructed union station where the general pas
Senger traffic OF the District can be accommodated
The selection OF the site Will naturally depend
largely upon the route adopted for the roads but
convenience Of access especially in connection with
the main Federal buildings and the local centerS OF
business and population.
As TO the route, the Commissioners, after care
full consideration, are Of opinion that the
present line OF the Baltimore and Potomac, with
certain needful notifications, Will best an
swer the requirements, and should be adopted, not
merely because the tracks are now there, and
business interests have to a considerable extent
and continuity Of Canal street and Virginia and
Maryland avenues constitute them, as IL were a
natural line OF communication, which can be
made less disadvantageous, on the whole. than
any other 1t Is true that this involves
the retention OF several grade crossings
which the main object OF selecting different route
ings are inadmiss1ble in populous and residence
portions Of a city, they are far less Objectionable
In Spdrscy.lnndDJeur regions 0eVOJeU SOlely 10 H.
dustr1al and business uses, and the practical sac
rifices needful TO be rid OF them may, In some
cases, overbalance the advantage. In the present
instance the only plausible alternative OF retain
ing the present line is the construction of road
westward on and Water streets, to be partly
elevated and partly at or about grade. This the
cause passenger communication would be removed
thereby TO an incOnvenlently distant point, the
expense OF the construction would be heavy, and
the relative advantages inconSiderable.
It Is not proposed however, to retain all the
grade CROSSINGS now made by the Baltimore and
Potomac The conformation OF the surface issuch
that between ~ and 18th streets west the tracks
can be depressed so as to admit OF the
Intervening streets passing over them with little
portion Of the cut Itself Could be converted into
girder roof tunnel II deemed advisable. The prop
osition, therefore, is TO begin
DEPRESSING THE TRACKS
at Delaware avenue. where the surface grade is
nine feet above city datum mean high water In the
Potomac), and practically continue at that grade
with moderate variation to provide for drainage
Upon Maryland avenue the grade will gradually
rise from feet at 9Th street TO 10 at 18th street.
In order 10 pass over the Long Bridge.
For the purpose OF regulating the occupation Of
the street, is proposed to limit the width OF track
upon and Canal streets to 60 feet, and upon vir-
admit readily OF four tracks, and diminish the
length and cost Of intersecting bridges while leay-
Ing 80 feet on each side, between the building lines
with sewers and the provisions for the draining Of
the cut are fortunately not serous-a 3-foOt sewer
at met me- az Gh c asa but can be veS
build sewer down 9Th street, from c
street to the river, which would In any
drainage OF the neighborhood. AS to the union
station, the considerations controlling the selec-
ton OF the site, II the proposed route be adopted
glnia and Maryland avenue. 9Th and C streets, as
but meeting The requirements. circle struck
rom the designated point with mile radius will
cpntprS hnSinnSg nd No rIv OH
the great Federal Offices with the Executive Man
sion and the state, War and Navy building lying
Just outside The vicinity Is now reached by estab-
lished lines OF street cars, and additional facilities
or access can be readily afforded II desired and
handsome and capacious structure, rising from
below the street surface. with suitable architec-
tural features and surroundings, could be so con-
structed and arranged as TO be no detriment
TO the neigh6orhood or objectionable from
made, in this respect, TO do more
than indicate the considerations which it is be-
road problem, and to furnish general outline OF
the plan proposed. While most details and esti-
mates have been deferred until 1t should be seen
essential consideration has been overlooked that
would affect the practicability and advantage Of
the project.
AS TO THE COST,
it may be estimated broadly that the proposed
constructions for the Baltimore and Ohio win
require an outlay OF million Of dollars and that
the expense OF the adjustment OF the tracks in
South Washington will be half million more. The
cost to the city OF the necessary changes In
sewer and waterpipe arrangements, including the
new 9Th street sewer, should be covered by $4,000
The Commissioners have not been requested. nor
does It seem expedient at this time to discuss the
conditions under which the work recommended
should be done, or the relative division OF expense
between the parties concerned. These are mat
tiers for the consideration OF Congress after con.
ciusaOns shall have been reached and definite pro
Ject adopted.
FREI0HT FACuIrlE0.
With regard tofreaght facilities for the two roads
In South Washington, the question is simple. The
area bounded by South Capitol Canal and streets
and New Jersey avenue il already largely occupied
Ior this purpose, and there can be little objection
70 extending II. The angle between Maryland
avenue and the river Is similar In character. The
railway companies should be authorized and re-
CURED 70 purchase or lease such areas as are need
iui, and notably the four squares ON d street,
SOUTH OF the union station, for the passage OF
through freight and general business To enable
them 70 eject this without undue expense, Con-
gress might properly grant some limited powers
OF concentration BY which, under the direction Of
tne courts property could be taken and the dam
Is TO be understood in this project establishing
the railway lines for the service OF the District chat
All other companies now connecting with Wash
1ngton or desiring so TO do are TO be provided FOR
| over the same routes. With this understanding
the commissioners believe that the railway facfl-
ties Afforded VIII meet all the general requirement.
OF the District but M u proper 10 invite attention
70 the comparatively isolated Condition OF Georre.
town, which. although ENJOYING q CONSIDERABLE